Pyracantha Care Instructions

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The sprawling pyracantha shrub (Pyracantha coccinea) has several cultivars that produce dark green foliage, white flowers and large, showy clusters of bright red or orange berries. This quick-growing shrub can reach heights of 18 feet when left untended. Pyracantha prefers moist soil and requires occasional pruning to maintain size; otherwise, it needs little care. Pyracantha is considered invasive, though limited, in some parts of California, and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9.

Water Requirements

Pyracantha shrubs grow in most types of soil but prefer moist and well-drained conditions. Occasional deep watering from early spring to late fall with 1 inch of water per week or more during hot, dry periods of weather provides enough moisture for the shrub. Use a garden hose and water at the soil level. Stop watering during the winter months.

Fertilizer Requirements

Annual fertilization when new growth begins in late winter can help boost the growth of your pyracantha shrub. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 at a rate of 1 tablespoon per foot of height is sufficient for each plant. Broadcast the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, avoiding contact with the stem. Rake it into the top 2 inches of the soil and water it in.

Pruning Requirements

Prune pyracantha during the spring after it finishes blooming. Remove any dead or diseased wood at its point of origin. To maintain shape, select wayward or leggy side shoots and cut them back to the first three leaves or cluster of berries. Remove lower branches for a treelike form or leave them in place for a more natural shape. Dispose of the plant tissue, either in the trash or in compost. Pyracantha has sharp thorns, so wear thick gloves while pruning to avoid injuries. Disinfect your pruning shears before making any cuts in a container filled with 1 part bleach and 9 parts water. Let the shears soak for 5 minutes. Rinse them with water and allow them to air dry.

Pests and Diseases

Pyracantha resists most pests and diseases but can be affected by scale, scab, lace bugs, fireblight or spider mites. Scale appears as small, immobile bumps on the plant that vary in color. Spider mites look like very tiny spiders and sometimes leave webbing on the plant. Lace bugs are tiny with a clear, lacy appearance on their wings, and they often occupy the undersides of leaves. Fireblight usually causes dieback of the leaves and stems, and an oozy substance appears when the plant is cut at the infection site. Scab appears as greenish-brown or black spots on the leaves, stems and berries. Pruning off stems and tissue affected by scab or fireblight below the infection point and disposal of all affected tissue provides good control. Weekly applications of pre-mixed insecticidal soap on the plants to the point of dripping can control all pests. Discontinue the soap applications once the pests are gone.

About the Author

Shelley Marie has been writing professionally since 2008 for online marketing and informational websites. Her areas of expertise include home, garden and health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration and an associate degree in medical billing and insurance coding, both from Herzing University.